Hot and cold sensor discrimination unit

Abstract

A hot and cold sensor discrimination unit having an insulated liquid-filled container with a temperature indicator and a metal probe with a temperature indicator for use in perception of temperature by a patient.

The embodiment of the invention in which an exclusive privilege or property is claimed is defined as follows: 
     
       1. A diagnostic tool in the form of a kit for perception of temperatures on a sensory surface of the body, comprising: an insulated container having a top and containing a liquid of predetermined temperature;   a cover fastened to the top of said container and forming perforations therethrough;   at least one probe extending through a perforation in said cover and into the liquid in said container;   a thermometer extending through another of the perforations of said cover and extending into the liquid of said container for sensing the liquid temperature, said probe including a metallic tube having an open top and a closed sensory end,   means defining an opening extending from the top of the tube to the closed sensory end,     a thermometer received in said tube opening and extending to the sensory end for sensing temperature of the tube, and a cap on the top of said probe providing a handle for holding said probe.   
     
     
       2. A diagnostic tool for perception of temperatures as set forth in claim 1, wherein said cap includes a foam rubber material.   
     
     
       3. A diagnostic tool for perception of temperatures as set forth in claim 1, including a second container and probe to thereby provide a plurality of probes,   a liquid body in said second container of a different temperature from the liquid of the first container to thereby provide plural temperature sensing by said probes.   
     
     
       4. A diagnostic tool for perception of temperatures as set forth in claim 1, wherein said probe includes an integral structure of said thermometer, said tube and said cap.   
     
     
       5. A diagnostic tool for perception of temperatures as set forth in claim 1, comprising at least one additional container and probe,   a liquid contained in said second container of a higher temperature than the liquid contained in the original container, to thereby provide plural temperature sensing by said probes.   
     
     
       6. A diagnostic tool for perception of temperatures as set forth in claim 1, including an additional container and probe,   liquid of a different temperature contained in said second container, and   a color coding on each of said probes to indicate the temperature of the probe for diagnostic sensing.   
     
     
       7. A diagnostic tool for perception of temperatures, comprising: an insulated container having an upper end and receiving a liquid of predetermined temperature; a perforated cover on said container;   a thermometer extending into the liquid in said container for determining the liquid temperature;   a probe extending through said cover into the liquid of the container, said probe including a hollow metallic tube for conduction of heat through said tube,   said tube defining an opening essentially the length of the tube,   a thermometer extending into said opening in said tube for sensing the temperature of the probe, and said tube having a closed sensory end for sensing external temperature,      and an insulating cap embracing an upper end of said tube providing an insulated handle for holding the probe.   
     
     
       8. A diagnostic tool for perception of temperatures as set forth in claim 7, wherein said probe includes a thick-walled aluminum tube for receiving said thermometer.   
     
     
       9. A diagnostic tool for perception of temperatures as set forth in claim 7, wherein said cap includes a material to form a padded cap on said probe.   
     
     
       10. A diagnostic tool for perception of temperatures as set forth in claim 7, wherein each of said thermometers includes a dial on the top to indicate temperatures.   
     
     
       11. A diagnostic tool for perception of temperatures on a sensory surface of the body, comprising: a closed insulated container for reception of liquid of a predetermined temperature;   means defining perforations in an upper portion of said container;   a thermometer received in a perforation of said container and extending into the liquid of said container for sensing the temperature of the liquid;   a probe extending through a perforation in said container, said probe including a heavy-walled aluminum tube defining a central opening extending essentially the length of said tube and having a closed sensory end,   said tube providing high heat capacity and good thermo conductivity,     a thermometer extending into the central opening of said tube and extending to the closed end for indicating the temperature of the probe, and   an insulated cap embracing an upper end of said probe providing a handle for said probe.